2024 Honda Passport vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling transformation, shedding some of its quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The windshield wipers were discreetly tucked under the hood's lip, and the black molding strips on the roof were removed. The HR-V was available in new colors like Nordic Forest Pearl, enhancing its contemporary appeal. The EX-L model featured perforated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power moonroof, creating a comfortable and upscale cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Passport retained much of its previous design, with only minor tweaks since 2022. The Passport's rugged appearance was emphasized in the TrailSport trim, which included all-terrain tires and roof rails. However, the faux skid plates and lack of recovery points indicated that it was more about style than substance. Inside, the Passport featured a simple and utilitarian design with physical controls and an 8-inch touchscreen. The TrailSport trim added black leather upholstery with orange contrast stitching, but the overall interior remained straightforward and functional.

The 2023 Honda HR-V was powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. This marked an improvement over the previous model, but it still lagged behind some competitors in terms of powertrain options. The HR-V offered Normal, Snow, and ECON drive modes, with Sport mode available for a more spirited driving experience. While the HR-V was fun to drive on winding roads, it was not overpowered, and the cabin noise was noticeable at higher speeds. The HR-V was available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and its suspension and widened tracks contributed to a surprisingly enjoyable driving experience.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Passport featured a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and unobtrusive gear shifts. The Passport's torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system and traction-management settings enhanced its off-road capabilities, particularly in the TrailSport trim. However, the lack of turbocharging meant that peak torque was reached at higher RPMs, affecting fuel efficiency. The Passport's towing capacity of 5,000 pounds was competitive, but it fell short of some rivals.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a center console featuring a shelf for storage. Despite its compact size, the HR-V provided comfortable seating and a nearly flat cargo floor when the rear seats were folded. The HR-V's cargo space measured 24.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 55.1 cubic feet with them folded. Passenger volume varied slightly between trims, with the EX-L offering a bit more space. While rear-seat legroom decreased slightly, front-row passengers enjoyed improved legroom.

The 2024 Honda Passport excelled in cargo capacity, offering 41.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 77.7 cubic feet with them folded. The Passport's interior was spacious, accommodating five adults comfortably. The center console bin was redesigned for 2024, providing more storage space, although it slightly reduced the front-seat environment's airiness. The Passport's interior was practical, with ample cupholders and storage options.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style infotainment display with physical controls for power and volume. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims, with wireless versions available on the EX-L. The EX-L also boasted a 9-inch infotainment display, a wireless charging pad, and an eight-speaker audio system. The HR-V's technology package included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a range of connectivity options.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Passport offered an 8-inch touchscreen, which felt small given the vehicle's size. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth connectivity and a wireless charging pad. The Passport's infotainment system had some quirks, such as persistent turn-by-turn directions on the driver's display. The TrailSport trim's seven-speaker audio system was underwhelming compared to competitors' offerings.

The 2023 Honda HR-V came equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard across all trims. This included adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. The HR-V's safety features were generally unobtrusive and provided peace of mind. While the 2023 model had not yet been crash-tested, the 2022 HR-V received favorable ratings from safety organizations.

The 2024 Honda Passport also featured a comprehensive list of standard safety features under the Honda Sensing umbrella. These included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Passport's crash test ratings were less impressive, with the IIHS giving it lower ratings in certain tests. The NHTSA awarded the Passport five stars overall but noted some areas for improvement.